Kawaraya Yokocho Store Alley, also known as the Kawahara-ke Alley, is a historically inspired shopping space that pays tribute to the traditional riverside lifestyle of Shingu. Located near the sacred Kumano River and directly adjacent to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, the alley recreates the atmosphere of the Edo and early Showa periods using rustic wooden architecture.

The name “Kawahara-ke” refers to a unique local housing style once common along the riverbanks. Due to frequent flooding, residents built simple wooden homes designed to be easily dismantled and relocated to higher ground, then reassembled once the waters subsided. Kawaraya Yokocho preserves this memory as a symbol of local ingenuity, adaptability, and harmony with nature.

Today, the alley consists of five compact wooden shops, each offering a distinctly local experience. Visitors can enjoy Shingu specialties such as mikan (mandarin oranges), rare jabara citrus products from nearby Kitayama Village, local sake, freshly made takoyaki, shaved ice, handcrafted accessories, and items made from sacred nagi tree leaves—long associated with safe travel and strong bonds. The calm, nostalgic setting makes it a popular rest stop for pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo routes.

• On foot: Approximately 3 minutes from Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine

• From JR Shingu Station: About 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bicycle

• By car: Limited street parking nearby; public parking lots are available around the shrine area

• Visit after shrine worship to enjoy snacks or fresh mikan juice as a break

• Shop hours may vary, so late afternoon visits are not recommended

• Look for nagi-leaf charms as meaningful local souvenirs

• Occasionally, local guides in traditional attire share stories about Kumano Kodo history

Admission Fee:

• Free entry

Opening Time:

• Generally 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Individual shop hours may vary)